The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Human trafficking happens everywhere, including Pasco County

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Elected officials, law enforcement and other stakeholders in Pasco County have teamed up this month to shed light on the growing issue of human trafficking.

The problem was at the forefront of a Jan. 5 press conference that featured Pasco County District 1 commissioner Ron Oakley, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, State Rep. Danny Burgess, Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and others.

“We’re not afraid to say there’s a problem,” Nocco said. “There’s a problem here in Pasco, there’s a problem here in Tampa Bay, there’s a problem in the state of Florida, there’s a problem nationally, and there’s a problem globally.”

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco detailed the warning signs of human trafficking during a Jan. 5 press conference.
(Kevin Weiss)

Nocco said it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact number of victims in the county. Many human trafficking cases go unreported, he said.

That’s why the sheriff is urging people to be on the lookout—and report—any suspicious activity.

He noted major events — such as the NHL All-Star Game on Jan. 28 in Tampa— oftentimes leads to an uptick in prostitution, due to the number of travelers coming into town.

“If there’s a house in your community, and you see a lot of people coming in and out, see a lot of young girls and even young boys, call law enforcement,” he said.

“If you’re in a restaurant and see something that doesn’t look right, call law enforcement.”

Nocco explained sex trafficking doesn’t just lurk in low-income areas, motels or adult establishments.

“Everybody thinks it’s always going to be a seedy part of town; it could be a very high-class area, a high-class neighborhood, where they’re smuggling young girls or young boys,” Nocco explained. “This is not a crime that’s about stereotypes. It’s every race, color, creed, gender, ethnicity and sexual preference. Everybody can be a victim of this.”

He noted that preventing more victims starts “at home” with parents informing their children about human trafficking, and the dangers it presents.

“If you create an environment where the kids are loved,” Nocco said, “basically you’re reducing the factors that will allow them to be victims of human trafficking. “You also have to be a parent to other kids in your neighborhood, because there’s going to be parents…that don’t care.”

Elected officials, meanwhile, are working to tackle the trafficking problem at large.

The U. S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign has set aside Jan. 11 as ‘Wear Blue Day.’ It’s a day to pledge solidarity with victims of human trafficking and to raise awareness about, and work to end related crimes. The entire month of January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. (Courtesy of U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

The House of Representatives has introduced legislation holding websites accountable for soliciting human trafficking, called the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017. Bilirakis said he expects it to pass sometime this month. The House also passed a Homeland Security funding bill that appropriates $2.1 billion—an increase of nearly $94 million —  for domestic and international investigations programs, including efforts to combat human trafficking and child exploitation.

Elsewhere, the U.S. Senate introduced the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017, a bill that would help shut down websites that knowingly provide a platform for sex trafficking. The bill has been reported out of committee and is awaiting passage.

“It’s a nonpartisan issue,” Bilirakis said, “and all stakeholders must work together to solve the problem.”

The month of January has been declared National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, by a presidential proclamation.  And, Jan. 11 is the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s “Wear Blue Day,” a day to pledge solidarity with victims of human trafficking and raise awareness about, and work to end related crimes.

Called Blue Campaign, it is the unified voice for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to combat human trafficking.

Locally, one group is trying to do its part to find solutions.

The Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking, formed in 2014, is chaired by by Liana Dean, a social worker at BayCare Behavioral Health.

The group is made up of 11 stakeholders representing different sectors of the community. The stakeholders include county government, law enforcement, behavioral health, business and service providers, the school district, faith-based community and others.

It promotes public awareness about human trafficking, creates educational programming opportunities and advocates for strategies to aid survivors of human trafficking.

Since its formation, the commission has taken several active steps to curb human trafficking on a regional level.

It worked with the Pasco County Commission in 2016 to pass an ordinance that mandates signage to raise awareness of human trafficking be posted in the restrooms and dressing rooms of sexually oriented businesses, such as adult entertainment establishments and unlicensed massage services.

It also worked with the National Human Trafficking Hotline and WTOG-TV/CW44 to produce three public service announcements designed to educate the public about the local presence of trafficking.

The commission also has trained more than 3,000 members of the community on human trafficking through its community awareness presentations.

Jennie Sammur, who was recognized as the group’s Volunteer of the Year, helps with social media and public relations strategies.

Sammur, a Tampa-based real estate agent, said awareness is “very key in correcting this horrific crime in our community.”

Florida has consistently ranked third in the number of cases reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, behind only California and Texas.

Published January 10, 2018

Lutz resident receives ‘Community Champion’ award

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It’s not all that uncommon for Freddy Barton to spend part of his weekend working — heading out to talk to people in the community.

If he’s headed out from his Lutz residence on his motorcycle, chances are he’s going to go hang out with some kids — to find out what’s on their minds.

“I’m talking to kids. I’m trying to probe their mind, to figure out, ‘What does it take to make you feel that you can have a chance in life?’” he said.

Freddy Barton’s work, both in volunteer and professional roles, aims to help people avoid violence, build job skills and find ways to be engaged, whether at play or at work. He has been named one of six ‘Community Champions’ across the state by Molina Healthcare of Florida. (B.C. Manion)

Barton recently was named one of six “Community Champions” across the state by Molina Healthcare of Florida at the organization’s eighth annual recognition event. The awards dinner was held at Busch Gardens.

Over the course of his life, Barton has done volunteer and professional work aimed at helping youths to avoid violence, helping both youths and adults to develop job skills, and helping those who have been incarcerated to make successful transitions into society after their release.

While working with incarcerated men, he created relationships through mentoring that continue to this day.

The Community Champions program celebrates the vision of Dr. C. David Molina, the founder of Molina Healthcare, as well as community partners who work together to care for society’s most vulnerable individuals.

Each Community Champion was nominated by a community-based organization.

Recipients received a $1,000 grant to give to a deserving nonprofit organization. Barton chose to donate his to the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, where he previously worked.

Barton said he was nominated for the award by two professional colleagues and by one of the men he mentors.

He was gratified by the recognition.

In his current role, as executive director of Safe and Sound Hillsborough, he works in a collaborative that aims to prevent violence.

Safe and Sound is the outgrowth of a think tank pulled together by Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner in 2013, in response to the Sandy Hook shooting deaths.

“When that happened, it was like a national wakeup call to everyone,” Barton said.

“You can’t do anything to stop the random shooter, but you can do something to address the community violence that occurs,” he said. “We look at violence as a disease, something that is preventable.

“My role is to work within the communities in which we serve, tie together elected officials, public agencies, private sector, residents, youths, adults — all together — to find out what do we need to do to address the factors that contribute to violence,” he said.

The work includes looking at issues such as truancy, mental health needs, job opportunities and re-entry after incarceration, Barton said.

Before taking his current job, he worked for Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, which built homes, built commercial development, had a workforce development team and created a vocational school.

Currently, he said, he’s out in the community, working to discern what the problems are and how they can be addressed.

“How do you stop violence? We’ve been trying to stop violence since Cain killed Abel.

“It’s not going to stop overnight. It didn’t start overnight,” he said.

But, there are some steps that can help, he added.

“I’m focusing on out-of-school-time opportunities for kids,” Barton said. “If we don’t find something for kids to do, they’re going to find something to do.  And, it’s not going to be what we think.”

For instance, Barton was instrumental in getting Hillsborough County to unlock a recreational center that had not been used for several years.

“With The Children’s Board and the county’s (Hillsborough County) help, we started up a camp. We said, ‘Let’s only have about 30 kids, let’s run a test. Within a day, we had 54 kids signed up.

“Now, it’s an afterschool Safe Haven for kids. We’ve got all types of programming,” he said.

Kids need to be engaged, and they need opportunities, Barton said.

“We look at spring break, we look at summer break, we look at over the winter break — whenever the kids are out of school,” he said.

It’s also important for youths to understand the repercussions of their actions, he added.

“They’re living out fantasies that they see in video games,” he said. Often, they don’t realize the serious consequences that can result,” Barton said.

Baron and his wife, Denise, have two sons, 14-year-old Tahj and 11-year-old Cameron.

Published January 10, 2018

Eating bugs: That’s what’s trending now

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As one year ends and another begins, it’s natural to reflect on the year that has passed and the new one that’s coming.

You can incorporate cricket flour into your banana bread for added nutritional value. (Betsy Crisp)

It’s that time of year when many of us make resolutions. Some resolve to improve our health by losing weight and getting fit. Others want to be more organized. Some want to simply enjoy life more. Others are determined to learn something new. There are those who seek to get a better handle on their finances by spending less and saving more. And, of course, there are always those who want to do more traveling.

Along those lines, here’s a look back at some of the top food trends of 2017 and a look ahead at the top food trends predicted for 2018.

Figuring out food trends is important to both companies and researchers.

Major companies such as Whole Foods, Forbes, Specialty Foods, and even the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences take time to review and publish their predictions. Here are some of the predictions from 2017:

  • “One bowl” menu items became popular in 2016 and continued to keep our interest in 2017.
  • Spicy dishes and condiments continue to thrive.
  • Eggs are a good source of protein and reasonably priced with a good profit margin for restaurants so, for many reasons, they have remained at the top.
  • Street foods/food trucks grew in popularity and continue with a wider variety of offerings.
  • Plant-based meat substitutes have gone beyond burgers and can even replicate shrimp.
  • Kale became a superfood in 2016, but has lost its lead to other greens (dandelion greens, Swiss chard, carrot tops, etc.) in 2017
  • The hot color in foods last year was purple.

So now, here’s a look at what’s predicted for 2018 by UF/IFAS state Specialists.

  • Bugs are in. Insects such as mealworms and others are trending as a good and more sustainable source of protein. They are now referred to fondly as “micro-livestock” Insects (ants, beetles, cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, mealworms, etc.) are already a favorite in other countries (Australia, Brazil, China, Ghana, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands and Thailand).
  • Backyard chickens are back. Many states, counties and cities are reviewing ordinances to allow backyard chickens, even in residential areas, so that homeowners can raise small flocks of chickens to have a convenient source of fresh eggs. Be sure to check the rules in your area before you set up a hen house in your backyard.
  • The cottage food industry is expected to grow, as state lawmakers amended a law to allow food entrepreneurs to make more from certain items, such as breads, cookies, cakes, pies, candies, honey, jams, jellies, dry herbs, flavored vinegars, nuts, coated nuts, popcorn, popcorn balls, trail mixes and granola in their home kitchen and sell directly to consumers. The original income limit for these businesses was set at $15,000 per year, but has been amended to $50,000. Such businesses do not require a permit or license to operate from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and are not inspected by any state government entity.

The term “foodie” has become popularized in recent years, as a way to describe people with a keen interest in what they’re eating, where it came from, how it was grown and how it was prepared.

One of the best ways to be a foodie is to grow and cook your foods — which can help you save money, too.

Another good thing to keep in mind, as we begin a new year, is the importance of finding ways to reduce the amount of food we throw out.

We need to find ways to feed more people, so we can end hunger in the United States.

Many food banks are teaming up with restaurants to find more creative ways to do this, and we, too, can do our part to help end hunger.

Betsy Crisp, MS, LD/N is a professor emeritus for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension – Family & Consumer Sciences

Cricket Banana-Nut Bread
Ingredients:
4 medium ripe bananas

2 large eggs

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup canola oil

½ cup cricket flour (or if you cannot get past the “yuck factor,” substitute all-purpose)

1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup walnuts, chopped

½ cup raisins and/or shredded coconut (optional)

Topping:
1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon sugar (optional)

Note: To make your own cinnamon sugar: Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons (or more) of ground cinnamon. Mix well and store in a small, air-tight jar.

Instructions:
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Grease a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan and dust with flour.

In large bowl, add bananas, eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until just blended.

In another bowl, add cricket flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder and cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients together using a whisk.

Add bowl of dry ingredients to larger bowl with wet mixture, and beat together on low speed until just blended.

Turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula to get any flour that remains into the batter, then mix the batter on medium speed for another minute.

Using the spatula, stir-in the walnut pieces.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar (optional).

Bake 60 minutes to 70 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean).

Let cool on wire rack for at least 10 minutes/you can easily handle it and remove from the pan. Cool completely before slicing.

Published January 10, 2018

2017 was a good year; we expect 2018 to be even better!

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One of the pleasures of getting older is that during the holidays, I no longer fret about finding the “perfect” gift for those I love, or worry about which relative I’m obligated to spend Christmas with, or stress about hosting holiday parties.

This year, I celebrated Christmas with my daughter and Florida family over New Year’s, and will open presents in mid-January with my son’s family in Kentucky.

With family celebrations delayed a bit, I had time over Christmas to reflect on 2017 and to think about the many things I am excited about in the new year.

Since many of my achievements and aspirations involve this newspaper, I thought I’d share some of my thoughts with you.

Looking Back
The Laker/Lutz News continued to grow in circulation, content and advertising revenue in 2017. Not too many years ago, many people believed print was dead — especially newspapers. But, that certainly is not the case here at The Laker/Lutz News, as we continue to buck the downward trends reported by most daily newspapers.

This past year, we added more than 1,000 papers to our home delivery routes, bringing our weekly circulation up to 45,322. We continue to add circulation, so we can deliver to new households going up in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

New residents are keenly interested in their new community, and like you, look to us to keep them informed about their neighbors, things to do, government, schools, local sports, business openings, roads and growth issues.

Our newsroom expanded this past year with the addition of freelance photographers Randy Underhill and Christine Holtzman. They join longtime photographers Richard Riley and Fred Bellet as regular contributors to our papers.

Madonna Jervis Wise, a historian living in Zephyrhills, also began writing occasional columns for us, joining Doug Sanders, another local historian.

Other regular contributors are Betsy Crisp, who writes our What’s Cookin’ column and Nicole Pinson and Whitney C. Elmore, who write about gardening topics for Nature Notes.

I’m proud of our editorial team that received a total of 15 awards from the Florida Press Association and Community Papers of Florida.

This work has been accomplished by Editor B.C. Manion, staff writers Kevin Weiss and Kathy Steele, and editorial assistant Mary Rathman, as well as freelance contributors.

Matt Mistretta and Stefanie Burlingame have used their skills to present a well-designed newspaper, with outstanding content, to our readers every week.

We also earned many awards on the advertising side of our business, including Best of Show at the Awards for Excellence ceremony sponsored by Community Papers of Florida. This prestigious award recognized “Fun on 41 – Discover the Wonders,” a full-page ad that uses a hand-drawn map to illustrate shopping destinations and restaurants along U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

To stay on top of the many new businesses opening in our area, we added new sales staff in 2017 — Cheryl Michel in Land O’ Lakes and Anne Kibbe in East Pasco. Anne performed so well in Dade City and Zephyrhills that she was recently promoted to sales manager, and works closely with Cheryl and Rachel Thompson, our passionate classified sales person.

This sales team joins Terri Williamson, our longtime senior account manager who works with businesses in Wesley Chapel and Lutz.

Terri played a key role in the launch of our monthly section, There’s No Place Like Home, that’s written for folks looking to buy a new home in Pasco and north Hillsborough. Terri’s involvement with the Tampa Bay Builders Association has been instrumental in this section’s success, and is a tribute to her commitment and hard work.

Backing up Terri is team member Carolyn Bennett, whose superb organizational skills keep Terri moving forward. And, backing me up is Accounting Manager Mary Eberhard, whose financial oversight of our company keeps our cash flow maximized and my stress level minimized.

Looking Ahead
We’ve had a strong fourth quarter and expect business to continue at a brisk pace, as we enter 2018. We are well-positioned to grow along with our community, and we are excited about the New Year.

Hiking Spree showcases regional parks, trails

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Take a hike — that’s what the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation wants you to do this winter.

The county’s Hiking Spree program returns for its second year, with a new set of diverse trails for residents and visitors to explore.

The program began in November and runs through March 31.

Here’s how it works:

  • People may walk any of 20 designated trails on their own, with friends, as part of a group, or with a member of the Parks & Recreation staff. There also is a wild-card hike of sorts: Hikers choose their own trail, which can be anywhere.
  • Participants can receive a brass medallion or Access Hiker patch after completing eight of the 20 hikes.
  • The program works strictly on an honor system. Nobody monitors your progress.
  • Anyone can participate. There are no age or physical restrictions, and you don’t have to be a Hillsborough County resident.

It’s designed to offer something for everyone from hiking rookies to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Some of the trails are at well-known regional parks, such as Lettuce Lake, Upper Tampa Bay, and Lithia Springs.

Lettuce Lake Park’s Boardwalk Run is included on this year’s Hiking Spree. It is one of 20 trails people are encouraged to try out this winter. (File)

Others are at more obscure preserves, including Alafia Scrub and Blackwater Creek.

Those who want a more leisurely walk can go to neighborhood and recreation centers, including Northdale, All People’s, and Valrico, which are part of the program, too.

Each trail has a classification and difficulty rating. Distances range from about one-third mile to more than 4 miles.

Hikers can walk paths near their homes, but also are encouraged to explore new terrain.

“We’ve basically highlighted 20 trails that we thought people would like to see,” said Dana McDonald, special events coordinator for Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation.

“We wanted to make sure there were acceptable trails. We wanted to make sure there were some easier trails for people who just started out — a little bit more primitive trails for people who really want to get deep into nature.”

While still new, the outdoor initiative already seems to be a hit.

About 1,000 people participated in the inaugural program last year.

Thousands more are expected to take part this year. In fact, more than 3,200 people have already registered for this year’s challenge.

The hiking event promotes the county’s parks and trail offerings, encouraging people to get active outdoors and experience “natural” Florida.

Set across fall, winter and early spring, it’s also timed to take advantage of the cooler, drier weather and to coincide with prime bird-watching season.

“It’s a way to kind of get out and turn off the cellphones, turn off the electronics and just kind of be out there, take some time for yourself,” McDonald said.

“It’s a great way for families to explore nature,” she added.

Hiking Spree is modeled on successful programs elsewhere, most notably in Akron, Ohio. There, the Summit Metro Parks community hiking event draws some 12,000 participants annually.

Parks & Recreation officials hope to surpass that mark one day.

“We want to take as many people out to our parks as possible,” McDonald said. “We just want to make sure people see it and they experience it.”

For information or to register, visit hcflgov.net/hikingspree.

Here’s the list of parks and trails for the 2018 Hiking Spree:

  • Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve, Riverview: River Bend Trail (1.5 miles)
  • Alderman’s Ford Conservation, Plant City: Two Rivers Loop (1.9 miles); Enchanted Forest Run (1 mile)
  • All People’s Life Center, Tampa: Nature Trail (0.40 miles)
  • Bell Creek Nature Preserve, Riverview: Nature Trail (4.1 miles)
  • Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve, Plant City: Central Loop (4.2 miles)
  • Branchton Neighborhood Park, Tampa: Gray Fox Fitness Trail (.75 miles)
  • Channel Park Trailhead, Tampa: Upper Tampa Bay Trail—north to Wilsky Road Trailhead and return (3 miles)
  • Cockroach Bay Nature Preserve, Ruskin: Nature Trail (.70 miles)
  • Edward Medard Conservation Park, Plant City: Singing Bluffs Trail (.70 miles)
  • Eureka Springs Conservation Park, Tampa: Serenity Loop (.35 miles)
  • Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve, Gibsonton: Nature Trail (3.5 miles)
  • Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Tampa: Hammock Run or Boardwalk (2.1 miles)
  • Lithia Springs Conservation Park, Lithia: Fish Hawk Trail North (3 miles)
  • Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve, Plant City: Nature Trail (2 miles)
  • Northdale Neighborhood Park, Tampa: Owl Fitness Trail (.45 miles)
  • Peterson Road Neighborhood Park Trailhead, Odessa: Upper Tampa Bay Trail—south to Ehrlich Road and return (2.4 miles)
  • Ruskin/Baudette Neighborhood Park, Ruskin: Quiet Pines Fitness Trail (1.2 miles)
  • Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, Tampa: Bobcat, Eagle and Otter Trails (1.7 miles total)
  • Valrico Neighborhood Park, Valrico: Rolling Acres Fitness Trail (.40 miles)
  • Wild-card trail (choose your own)

Published January 3, 2018

Dispute involves value for Mirada school site

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Developers for master-planned communities Epperson and Mirada won unanimous approval for updates on their projects in the Connected City.

But, the vote by Pasco County commissioners on Dec. 12 left unresolved a dispute between Metro Development Group and Pasco County Schools over the value of a Mirada school site.

Also unresolved is the timing for construction of the Mirada school, which will have students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Metro Development has agreed to donate a minimum of 44 acres in Mirada for the future school. However, school officials can opt for less acreage.

Developers pledged about 11 acres in Epperson for an elementary school.

But, it is the Mirada school site that is at the center of the differing opinions.

The appraised value of the land affects the calculation of Metro’s impact fees and credits, and the revenues available to the school district to build the school.

The credits will be based on the actual acreage given to the school district and a fair market value appraisal of the site.

School officials want to rely on 115 percent of the Pasco County property appraisal. They say that is a general standard used in other school site negotiations.

Instead, Metro Development will be able to get private appraisals, which generally tend to be higher than county appraisals.

That puts the school district at a disadvantage, said Ray Gadd, the district’s deputy superintendent.

“It’s a big issue when the economy is growing because land is at a premium,” he said.

Metro Development representatives see it differently.

Epperson and Mirada are within the borders of the state-approved Connected City corridor, which encompasses about 7,800 acres in northeast Pasco.

The state authorized, and the Pasco County Commission approved, a land development code for Connected City that includes a package of special conditions and incentives.

The special district is expected to attract commercial and residential projects that foster high-end technologies and innovative jobs.

Metro Development controls about 35 percent of the special district’s land.

Attorney Joel Tew, who represents Metro Development, said both sides can sit down and reach a mutual agreement on land values. Issues of where to build the school and the amount of land needed also are negotiable, he said.

“We’re happy to do that,” Tew said. “We clearly have to provide a school site that works.”

Another issue is the timing on school construction.

Metro Development is eager to get a school as soon as possible.

But, school officials say they can’t simply start building until Mirada is filling up with residents, and students.

“I can’t build schools where I don’t have bodies,” said Gadd.

The question is when will Mirada reach “critical mass” with enough students to justify opening a school, he said.

If Metro Development and school officials can’t reach an agreement on their issues, then the land would revert back to Metro Development.

Tew said developers might then seek out a charter or private school to locate in Mirada. (Charter schools must gain approval by the school board, but are operated privately).

Gadd hopes the negotiations on the school site begin sooner rather than later.

“The longer it goes, the higher the cost (of the land) goes,” Gadd said.

Published January 3, 2018

Epperson and Mirada approved for Connected City

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Developers of Epperson and Mirada – the first Connected City communities – recently rezoned their master-planned communities.

Pasco County commissioners approved the changes, which consolidated prior approvals under the umbrella of the state-approved Connected City corridor.

The corridor covers about 7,800 acres in northeast Pasco County. Its borders are Interstate 75, State Road 52, and Curley and Overpass roads.

Construction is underway at both developments. Epperson will soon be the first North American community to open a Crystal Lagoon.

The 7.5-acre lagoon, with its crystal blue waters, is a featured amenity offering pristine views, kayaking, swimming, paddle-boarding, cabanas and sandy beaches.

Mirada, with a total of about 1,800 acres, is expected to feature its own 10-acre lagoon.

At build-out, Mirada is expected to have the following:

  • More than 4,000 single-family houses
  • About 1,500 age-restricted single-family houses
  • About 900 apartments
  • About 421,000 square feet of retail
  • Nearly 288,000 square feet of office/medical/hospital/university
  • About 200 hotel rooms

Epperson, with a total of more than 900 acres, is expected to have the following:

  • More than 1,600 single-family houses
  • About 125 age-restricted single-family houses
  • About 550 apartments
  • More than 290,000 square feet of retail
  • More than 577,000 square feet of office/medical/hospital/university
  • About 200 hotel rooms

Published January 3, 2018

Pasco County Schools has big plans for 2018

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Pasco County Schools expects 2018 to be a busy year for planning, designing, renovating expanding and building new school projects.

Among the largest renovation projects are Land O ‘Lakes High School in Land O’ Lakes and Woodland Elementary School in Zephyrhills.

The commons area is getting a new look, as part of massive renovation project at Land O’ Lakes High School. The project’s design makes it easier to get around the campus. (File)

John Petrashek, director of construction services for Pasco County Schools, said he expected the first phase of a massive remodeling job at Land O’ Lakes High to be finished in time for teachers to move into the renovated spaces during the holiday break.

“There’s going to be reshuffling of teachers and students into those new areas that were just complete,” Petrashek said.

“Then, we’ll start Phase Two. There’s five phases to this project. We’ve never undertaken five, independent, separate phases,” he said.

When the project is ultimately finished, the school will have a better flow, Petrashek said.

“It’s going to improve the environment for teachers and students to come to every day,” he said.

He also praised Land O’ Lakes High Ric Mellin for his leadership during the renovation.

The renovation began in June 2017, with completion expected in the summer of 2019.

Meanwhile, work continues at Woodland Elementary School.

The project is adding eight new classrooms, remodeling restrooms, adding a new cafeteria and stage, and providing a covered corridor leading to the cafeteria from the main building.

“That’s going be so nice for that campus,” Petrashek said. “That’s bringing some tremendous improvement there.

Andrew Simpson is the project coordinator for Pasco County Schools, overseeing the $12 million makeover project at Woodland Elementary School.

Woodland now has more than 900 students, with many housed in portable classrooms.

Once the expansion is complete, the portables can be moved to other locations that are overcrowded, and the Woodland students will be able to move into permanent classrooms.

The new cafeteria will have a stage and there are music and band rooms in the new building.

“It’s going to be comparable to any new school, in what we have to offer,” Petrashek said.

The district is also moving ahead on plans to construct Cypress Creek Middle School, off Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Last fall, the district opened Cypress Creek Middle High School, which is serving students in grades six through 11 this year.

The district’s original plans were to open a high school and a middle school on that site, but it simply couldn’t afford to do that, so it opened the single facility to serve both age groups.

Now, it is planning to build a separate middle school, for students in grades six through eight. Once that opens, expected in 2020, the existing facility will be used only by students in grades nine through 12.

On the same campus, Pasco-Hernando State College is planning a $15.5 million performing arts center that is expected to be used both as an educational facility and a cultural arts facility.

Cypress Creek Middle School’s design is underway, Petrashek said. “That’s going to be 1,600 student stations,” which will make it the district’s largest middle school to date.

The middle school is being designed with the performing arts center in mind, Petrashek said.

It will have a fine and performing arts wing, and will include a small black box theater, which will be separate from the main school building, so it can be shared in the after-hours.

The middle school curriculum will be rich in performing and fine arts, and will include band, chorus, orchestra, dance and visual arts.

Zephyrhills High School will also be undergoing a major remodeling, similar in scope to what’s happening at Land O’ Lakes High School, Petrashek said.

In addition to updating the school, the $26 million project also will add student capacity.

“We’re trying to increase capacity by 500 students,” which will push the school’s total capacity to about 2,000 students, he said.

The idea is to prepare for the growth that’s occurring along the State Road 54 corridor, he said.

The district is looking for more cost-effective ways to accommodate its growing enrollment, Petrashek said.

Another significant project on the district’s drawing board involves a kindergarten through eighth grade school planned for Starkey Ranch. That school is expected to open in August of 2021.

Typically, a kindergarten through eighth grade school is built for 1,200 to 1,250 students, he said.

“We’re going to try to have it be a 2,000-student station, depending on budget,” he said.

“The need is there. The growth is coming,” he said.

The school would accommodate 1,200 middle school students and about 800 elementary students, he said.

“Because it’s a very compact footprint, we would have to go vertical,” Petrashek said, adding it would be a single, three-story building.

Plans call for a number of shared uses on the site.

The library will be used by the public, as well as by the school.

The idea is to share the facilities, allowing the school to use them when it needs them and the public to take advantage of them when they’re not.

There also will be tennis courts, a softball field, a track and field, and other fields that can be used for soccer or football, Petrashek said.

The site will have a black box theater, too.

“There’s shared parking, shared roads, shared fields, shared facilities,” Petrashek said.

Published January 3, 2018

Crystal Lagoon ‘clear blue’ star at Epperson

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The Crystal Lagoon at Epperson will have its grand debut in spring 2018, with Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps headlining the festivities.

Phelps is the global ambassador for Crystal Lagoon Inc., which built its first lagoon in Chile in 2006. The massive swimming pool, with a patented technology to keep its waters crystal clear, was the brainchild of biochemist and real estate developer Fernando Fischmann.

At Epperson, the 7.5-acre lagoon began filling up with approximately 16 million gallons of water, purchased from Pasco County.

An unidentified woman, in red, and an unidentified man look out at the Crystal Lagoon, which is a 7.5-acre manmade amenity at the master-planned community of Epperson. (Stefanie Burlingame)

With that task completed as of Dec. 26, Epperson, and Metro Development Group, soon will have the distinction of hosting its spring grand opening for the first Crystal Lagoon in North America.

A walkway overlooking the lagoon offers sweeping vistas of the blue waters, landscaping and ongoing construction at Epperson. Signage at an overlook tells the story of Connected City, the surrounding community of Epperson and the Crystal Lagoon.

About 70 homes are occupied at Epperson, according to Greg Singleton, president of Metro Development Group.

More homes are under construction, and additional lots are being prepared for even more homes.

When completed, the lagoon will be the featured centerpiece of the community. There will be swimming, kayaking and paddle-boarding activities. Even, small sailboats will skim over the surface. Residents and guests can hang out at Caribbean-style beaches and cabanas, slip down a waterslide, enjoy an entertainment plaza, join a yoga class or gather for special events.

Epperson may be the first — but four more Crystal Lagoons are on their way to Florida. Metro Development will break ground in spring on a second lagoon at its Southshore Bay community in Hillsborough County.

Another Crystal Lagoon also is planned for Mirada, a master-planned community next to Epperson.

Both Epperson and Mirada are part of the Connected City corridor, which encompasses about 7,800 acres in northeast Pasco County.

At build-out, the entire Connected City will have about 37,000 homes and more than 12 million square feet of commercial space. While Metro Development controls a large swath of Connected City, other developers also are expected to bring forth their proposals.

In addition to about 2,000 homes at Epperson, there will be office and retail, as well as education, medical and technology facilities. Saint Leo University and Tampa General Hospital are partners with Metro Development for state-of-the-art hospitals, schools and research centers.

For information, visit MetroDevelopmentGroup.com.

Published January 3, 2018

Let the good times roll

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Part of the secret to having fun is knowing where to find it.

And, then once you have figured out some options, it’s good to know early enough so you can do what you need to do, to maximize your enjoyment.

That’s the idea behind this master calendar: It’s a list of fun stuff to do in 2018 — giving readers plenty of time to consider their choices and make some plans.

So, as New Year gets underway, get ready to enjoy yourselves.

January

Raising Cane, a sweet & spicy event
When: Jan. 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City

Cost: $5 per person, children under 5 free

Details: Syrup-tasting contest; cane grinding; sugar cane pole tossin’; iron skillet tossin’; chili cook-off, chili verde and salsa competition; entertainment; and, vendors

Eighth annual Pigz in Z’ Hills BBQ & Blues
When: Jan 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road

Cost: Free admission; $10 parking. Benefiting local youth and education programs.

Details: Mouth-watering barbecue, blues music, swine and shine car show, aircraft displays, World War II museum, beer and wine, gift vendors, business expo, kids zone and more. No coolers, limited seating, so bring chairs.

Information: Call (813) 782-1913, or visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

13th annual Suncoast Arts Fest
When: Jan. 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Jan. 21, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel

Cost: Free admission and parking

Details: More than 125 fine artists and craftsmen; live entertainment; emerging artist booth, featuring work of area middle and high school students; street painting; roaming entertainers; and, free art projects for the kids; kids arts garden and maker space, and more

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Dade City’s annual Kumquat Festival
When: Jan. 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Downtown Dade City

Cost: Admission and parking are free; free shuttles for satellite lots

Details: Local entertainment, antique cars, arts and crafts, activities for kids, vendors, health and wellness, kumquat pies, kumquat products, quilt challenge and more. Several events are held leading up to the festival.

Information: DadeCityChamber.org

Shabby Chic Vintage Market & Artisan Day
When: Jan. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel

Cost: Free admission and parking

Details: Artisans, live music, original art, painted furniture, antique vendors, shabby style and cottage glam

February

Farm Fest & Quilt Show
When: Feb. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Feb. 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Florida Pioneer Museum & Village,15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City

Cost: $10 for adults on Feb. 3; $5 for adults on Feb. 4; $5 for children ages 6 through 12 either day; free for children age 5 and under

Details: Southern Draft Horse Pulling Competition on Feb. 3 at noon; Hoffman Challenge Quilt Collection Show of Quilts and Clothing; Quilt Appraisal and Trunk Show, concessions and food trucks, antique car show, children’s activities, live entertainment on Feb. 4. (Limited seating, lawn chairs welcome for horse pull).

Information: PioneerFloridaMuseum.org

Florida Ranch Days
When: Feb. 10 and Feb. 11

Where: Little Everglades Ranch, 17951 Hamilton Road (U.S. 301 and Gould Road), Dade City

Cost: Free admission; parking, $10 for cars and $25 for RVs

Details: Live entertainment on two stages; strolling performers; swamp buggy rides; guided ranch tours; face painting; petting farm; games and rides; arts and crafts; food and drink

Information: RanchDays.com

Fourth annual Snowbird Palooza
When: Feb. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills

Cost: Free parking and free admission

Details: Free coffee and doughnut mingle hour, fun family activities, free health checks, card games and tournaments, live entertainment and other activities.

Information: Email .

Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 19 to Feb. 25

Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City

Cost: $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 6 through 12; free for children age 5 and under

Details: Midway, fair food, entertainment, competitions

Information and schedule: PascoCountyFair.com

Living History and Civil War
When: Feb. 24 and Feb. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village,15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City

Cost: $5 admission, children age 5 and under are free

Details: Civil War Reenactments and Living History Encampment. Visitors can tour authentic confederate and union camps, and get a glimpse of what life was like during the U.S. Civil War. There will be battles each day at 2 p.m.

March

Big Flea Market at the Old Lutz School
When: March 2 and March 3, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: The Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41 N.

Cost: Free admission

Details: Thousands of items for sale to generate funds for causes supported by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club

108th Founders’ Day Parade & Heritage Festival
When: March 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (historic downtown Zephyrhills), parade begins at 10 a.m.

Details: Moonshine, Turpentine and Timber is the theme of the parade; as well as a local art display, food vendors, petting zoo, kids’ carnival games and more.

Also, festivities are planned at a second venue.

When: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road

Details: Live concert, food and merchandise vendors, Busch Gardens penguins and fireworks at 9 p.m.

Information: MainStreetZephyrhills.org, or call (813) 780-1414.

Savage Race
When: March 17 and March 18

Where: 17951 Hamilton Road, Dade City

Cost: Parking $10 for cars; $25 for RVs; spectators, $15 in advance; $25 at the door

Details: Twenty-five obstacles, mud in your underwear, chip timing, T-shirt, beer, action photos, camaraderie, memories

Information: SavageRace.com

Dogs Day in Dade City
When: March 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Agnes Lamb Park, in downtown Dade City

Details: Dog wagon parade, dog costume contest, canine got talent, ice cream/yogurt eating contest and more

Third annual Land O’ Lakes Music Fest
When: March 24, noon to 8 p.m.

Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park (formerly the Land O’ Lakes Community Center), 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Cost: Free admission; $10 parking (Bring a lawn chair or blanket)

Details: This Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce event is presented by Ierna’s Heating & Cooling. It features live music, arts and crafts vendors, other booths and more.

Information: Call (813) 909-2722.

Summer Camp Expo
When: March 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Florida Hospital Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel

Cost: Free admission

Details: Families get a chance to find out about summer camps and activities in the area and businesses get a chance to reach their target audience. There will be entertainment, bounce houses, activity zones, a photo booth, giveaways, character visits and more.

Information: FamilyFriendlyTampaBay.com

Gran Fondo Florida
When: March 24

Where: San Antonio

Details: Bicycle road race through the rolling hills of Dade City and San Antonio. Cyclists can choose to ride three distances: 35 miles, 55 miles or 100 miles, and are timed on certain stretches of the race.

Information: GranFondoNationalChampionshipSeries.com

Jelly Bean Fling
When: March 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City

Cost: $5 admission, free parking

Details: Mr. Tommy will join in the Easter Parade, kids will make Easter bonnets, there will be Easter egg hunts for different age groups; and there will be games, a bounce house, face painting and more.

Information: PioneerFloridaMuseum.org

April

Easter Sunrise Service
Where: Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills

When: April 1, 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., rain or shine

Cost: Free admission

Details: Live Christian music, an inspirational message, a live dove release and free refreshments. Seating is limited and lawn chairs are encouraged.

Information: Call Jane Freeman at (813) 783-6192.

Wesley Chapel Boat Show
When: April 20 to April 22

Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel

What: Event showcases boats, boating accessories, fishing gear, apparel and other items.

Information: TheShopsatWiregrass.com

June

Zephyrhills Summerfest
When: June 23, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills

Details: Dance and watermelon eating contests, food vendors, bounce houses, family games, crafters, family activities. Event concludes with fireworks.

Information: Email

July

Lutz Fourth of July Parade and festivities
Where: Downtown Lutz, near the Train Depot

When: July 4, parade starts at 10 a.m.

Cost: Free admission and parking

Details: There’s a race and other festivities before and after the parade. The winner of the honorary Lutz Guv’na race is announced following the parade. Additional details will be available closer to the time of the event.

September

A salute to Sept. 11
Where: In front of the Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41, in Lutz

When: Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to noon

Cost: Free admission, free parking

Details: The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club honors those lost on Sept. 11 by waving flags in front of the Old Lutz School.

Information: GFWCLutzLandoLakesWomansClub.org

October

San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival
When: Traditionally held the third weekend of October

Where: City Park, 12202 Main St., San Antonio

Cost: Admission and parking are free

Details: This event typically features music, gopher tortoise races, handmade arts and crafts, children’s rides and games, pumpkin patch, farmer’s market, farm animals, food trucks, beer garden, pioneer village and more.

Shabby Chic Vintage Market and Artisan Day
When: Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel

Details: Artisans, live music, original art, painted furniture, antique vendors, shabby style and cottage glam

14th annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival
When: Oct. 27 and Oct. 28, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel

Details: Simply Events and The Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce have partnered to bring the community to present the 14th Annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival, which will include a carnival with rides and games, live music, delicious fall foods, beverages, arts and craft area with pumpkin painting, local business expo, Pumpkin Patch, Halloween celebration on Oct. 27.

Information: WesleyChapelChamber.com

November

30th annual Florida Bug Jam
When: Nov. 10 and Nov. 11

Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City

Information: FloridaBugJam.com

December

Lutz Arts & Crafts Show
When: Dec. 1 and Dec. 2

Where: Keystone Preparatory High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa

Details: Hundreds of arts and crafts vendors and food booths in an annual show that draws tens of thousands of shoppers

34th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
Where: Florida Hospital Zephyrhills front lawn, 7050 Gall Blvd.

When: Dec. 2, noon to 7 p.m., rain or shine

Details: Tree decorating begins at noon. There’s an evening program from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with musical entertainment, a Christmas message, the lighting of the trees and fireworks.

Information: Call Jane Freeman at (813) 783-6192.

Christmas in the Park
When: Traditionally the first Sunday in December

Where: City Park, 12202 Main St., in downtown San Antonio

Cost: Free admission, free refreshments

Details: Annual lighting of giant Christmas cards, old-fashioned carol singing and other nostalgic touches

11th annual Tampa Tour de Clay
When: Dec. 8 and Dec. 9

Where: Stops at area pottery studios

Cost: The tour is free.

Details: Those making the tour will have the chance to watch kiln openings, talk with nationally known ceramic artists and perhaps do a bit of shopping.

Information: TampaTourDeClay.com

Festival of Lights on Main Street
When: Traditionally held on the first Saturday in December  

Where: On Fifth Avenue, from Seventh to 10th streets, in downtown Zephyrhills

Cost: Admission is free

Details: The event includes food, entertainment, holiday activities and a Christmas parade.

Old Lutz School Christmas House
When: Traditionally held on select dates in December.

Where: 18819 U.S. 41 N., Lutz

Cost: Free admission; donations of toys and nonperishable foods encouraged

For details closer to the time of the event, visit OldLutzSchool.com.

Published January 3, 2018